Federer powers through

World number one Roger Federer put in an uncharacteristic error-filled display in his 100th Grand Slam match but still managed a 7-5 7-5 7-6 (7/2) victory over Fabrice Santoro in the second round of the US Open.

Federer made 32 unforced errors, compared to just 15 for the Frenchman who was composed and played with control at Flushing Meadows.

But the top seed was dominant in other areas, winning 81 per cent (61-of-76) of points on his first serve and reducing his mistakes as the match wore on.

Santoro, after narrowly losing the opening set, wasted three break points midway through the second but Federer recovered to take a 4-3 lead and was unfazed by the animated crowd, breaking in the 12th game of the second set to take a commanding lead.

And Federer was unstoppable in the third-set tie-break, going up 6-0.

“I just tried everything I can because against Roger, if you play under your level, it will be under one hour,” Santoro said. “I was so happy to get a tie-break, and then in two minutes I look up and it was 6-0.”

Argentina’s David Nalbandian, the 11th seed, moved into the third round after defeating Peter Wessels of the Netherlands 7-6 (7/4) 1-6 6-2 7-6 (7/4)

Earlier, Lleyton Hewitt booked his place in the third round with a straight-sets win over Argentina’s Jose Acasuso.

The Australian third seed, who won here in 2001, found the going tough in the opening two sets, needing tie-breaks to overcome his unseeded opponent.

However, Hewitt made light work of Acasuso in the third, breaking his opponent’s serve to wrap up a 7-6 (8/6) 7-6 (7/3) 6-2 victory.

Hewitt will now face home favourite Taylor Dent after the American survived a mid-match lapse to see off the challenge of Spain’s Nicolas Almagro.

Sixth seed Nikolay Davydenko saw his US Open challenge brought to a halt with defeat against Thailand’s Paradorn Srichaphan.